Netcong traffic circle to be turned into an intersection with traffic light

Robert Eberle Cars enter the Netcong Traffic Circle in this 2004 file photo. Under a new $12.9M project, the circle will be turned into an intersection.

NETCONG — In the early 1930s, traffic wasn’t much of a concern in Netcong. Cars leisurely motored around the newly constructed traffic circle.

But 80 years later, congestion in western Morris County is a routine complaint, the bridge that runs over the circle is structurally deficient and the state Department of Transportation is gearing up to straighten out Netcong’s circle. Cones were set up Friday as the project got under way.

The $12.9 million federally funded project will replace the circle with an intersection and traffic light, according to Timothy Greeley, a state DOT spokesman.

The project, expected to be completed by the end of 2013, will also replace the Route 183 bridge deck over the NJ Transit Morristown Line railroad tracks and remove the Route 46 West bridge over Route 183.

"This project is addressing key priorities in terms of congestion relief and infrastructure improvements while creating a safer and easier connection between these two highways," DOT Commissioner James Simpson said in a press release.

But there is some concern.

Netcong resident Charles Howering said a traffic signal at that location would make matters worse as cars would be forced to wait at a light, backing up Route 46. Widening roads, he said, would make it harder for people to cross the street.

"We need to cross roads all day to go from homes to stores and schools, then back again," he wrote in a letter to the DOT.

Greeley dismissed those concerns and said the intersection will be safer for the approximately 17,000 cars that travel around the circle every day.

"The new intersection will have a traffic signal and dedicated turning lanes, so the expectation is that it will reduce accidents caused by driver confusion at the circle — thereby making a safer connection of the two roads," he said.

Mayor Joseph Nametko said he was looking forward to the project’s completion — more so than its construction — and he is working with police to come up with a plan for emergency vehicles that will no longer be able to use the bridge. He suggested there may be single-side parking on Main Street to allow emergency vehicles better access.

Single lane closures are expected during overnight and off-peak hours. One travel-lane on Route 46 will be maintained in each direction throughout construction.

The realignment will eliminate the need for the bridge that heads over Route 183 South, and that will be torn down, Greeley said. Routes 183 and 46 will be widened and have dedicated turn lanes. New sidewalks and guide rails will be constructed along both highways, and drainage improvements will be made.